תִּגְלַת פִּלְאֶ֫סֶר (tig.lat pil.e.ser)
tig.lat pil.e.ser
Tiglath-pileser
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Tiglath-pileser refers to an Assyrian king who played a decisive role in the history of the divided monarchy, appearing in six biblical verses across Kings and Chronicles. The sources identify him as the ruler who attacked Samaria during the reign of Pekah, marking a turning point for the northern kingdom of Israel.
Etymologically, the name is interpreted to mean "thou will uncover the wonderful bond," a phrase that reflects the political realities of the era. His military campaigns are recorded not merely as foreign invasions but as instruments of historical change, leading to the exile and reorganization of territories in the region.
Translators typically render this name consistently across the Old Testament texts to maintain historical continuity. The accounts in 2 Kings 15:19 and 1 Chronicles 5:26 highlight his impact on the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh, illustrating how external powers shaped the fate of God’s people during this turbulent period.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Tiglath-pileser appears in Scripture as a reminder that history is shaped by forces beyond our immediate control. This Assyrian king played a decisive role in the fate of Israel and Judah, acting as an instrument of change during turbulent times. His campaigns led to exile and reorganization, showing how external powers could shift the destiny of God’s people.
For believers today, these accounts invite reflection on sovereignty. While nations rise and fall, Scripture presents this history not as random chaos but as part of a larger narrative where God remains active. The exile was painful, yet it also served to refine faith and preserve a remnant for future hope.
We can find comfort in knowing that even when circumstances seem overwhelming, God’s purposes endure. The stories of Israel’s kings and their interactions with foreign rulers remind us that our trust rests not in political stability but in the faithful character of God, who guides history toward His ultimate goals.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- pileser6×
- Tiglath-6×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תִּלְּגַ֥ת2×
- פִּלְנְאֶ֖סֶר2×
- תִּלְּגַ֤ת1×
- תִּגְלַ֨ת1×
- תִּגְלַ֣ת1×
- תִּ֠גְלַת1×
- פִּלְנֶ֙סֶר֙1×
- פִּלְאֶסֶר֮1×
- פִּלְאֶ֤סֶר1×
- פְּלֶ֤סֶר1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 15:29
In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath Pileser king of Assyria came and took Ijon, Abel Beth Maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali; and he carried them captive to Assyria.
This verse records the initial military campaign that captured northern territories, marking the beginning of the end for the northern kingdom.
-
I Chronicles 5:26
So the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgath Pilneser king of Assyria, and he carried away the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, and brought them to Halah, Habor, Hara, and to the river of Gozan, to this day.
Here the text explicitly states that God stirred up the spirits of these kings, showing divine sovereignty behind historical events.
-
II Kings 16:7
So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath Pileser king of Assyria, saying, “I am your servant and your son. Come up and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria and out of the hand of the king of Israel, who rise up against me.”
King Ahaz’s plea for help illustrates the desperation of Judah when facing alliance pressures from neighboring enemies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Tiglath-pileser in the Bible?
Why is he called Pul in some verses?
What role did he play in Israel's history?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 3 books)
II Kings 3 verses
In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath Pileser king of Assyria came and took Ijon, Abel Beth Maacah, Janoah,…
II Kings 16:7So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath Pileser king of Assyria, saying, “I am your servant and your son. Come up and save…
II Kings 16:10King Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglath Pileser king of Assyria, and saw the altar that was at Damascus; and King…